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Here's what people had to say at EPISD meetings on proposed school closures

Sara Sanchez, El Paso Times
Published 11:20 a.m. MT June 20, 2018

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EPISD school board president Trent Hatch announces that the district may have to shut down some campuses to save money.
Mark R Lambie, El Paso Times

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EPISD community members address the board of trustees at a meeting Monday to discuss proposed school closures. The district has said it is proposing closing 10 schools in the next five years to contend with declining enrollment and a $7 million budget deficit.(Photo11: Sara Sanchez/El Paso Times)Buy Photo

El Paso Independent School District trustees heard three hours of public comments on proposed elementary school closures Monday and Tuesday.

The proposed closures would target 10 elementary schools over the next five years. Beall, Schuster and Moye would close in the 2018-19 school year and Hawkins, Rivera, Rusk and Alta Vista in the 2019-20 school year. Bonham, Johnson and Roberts, which were approved for closure through the 2016 bond, are slated to shutter in the 2020-21 school year, district officials said.

One person spoke in favor of the proposed closures, while nearly 60 others were against the proposal. Here are some quotes and stories community members shared with trustees at the two meetings.

Jessica Rivera, whose sons attend Hawkins Elementary

"I have an 8-year-old son diagnosed with leukemia in 2016. Hawkins teachers and staff came to the hospital, participated in blood drives, had fundraisers. They've come to know our family personally. It's more than just a school; it's a family. We have the option of enrolling in Socorro ISD but choose to make the drive to Hawkins every morning and afternoon for the sacrifice of the education of our children."

"The reason why due process is important is because we deal with fundamental rights. I think the way this board, or these members, notified parents, teachers and schools that this was going to happen did not give adequate notice that this was going to occur. I can just imagine if you had given proper notice."

Judith Elaine Burks, community member

"I have concerns that I believe you have an obligation to address before any vote on Thursday. That we have we been allowed the opportunity to speak but not receive answers to our concerns is unacceptable. The board demands and deserves respect. Don't we deserve the same consideration?"

Mary Beard, community member

"I think that closing Moye is painful, yes, and closing all these schools is painful. If the district is losing money, then eventually you're going to close down. El Paso's dynamics are changing. My neighborhood used to have kids on the streets every night. The new schools are all going to the East Side or the West Side. I don't relish the job you're doing. But I do think Whitaker is a more practical spot."

Maria Solomon, community member

"Last night I was listening and watching you all, the people and the board. As a taxpayer, I'm very disappointed because some of your (board members') reactions were unfavorable. It seemed like some of you didn't want to be here. We put you all there. We voted for you, and you people are forgetting that. I don't appreciate you saying that we cannot be disrespectful when someone asked you about Cabrera. No, sir. We are his bosses. He is subordinate to everyone here."

Gloria Alvarez, Alta Vista Elementary teacher

"School closures should not be the first option. It should be the last resort. If you can't find another solution, then we can talk about closing schools. Do it the right way: informing parents, students, teachers and staff of the reasons why the particular schools are being closed. Share the data you're using to make this decision. Prepare a plan for what comes next and share it with all parties involved. We elected you to represent us. We voted for you to represent our interests. Please listen to what we have to say."

Priscilla Bernal, fourth-grader at Hawkins

"I can write my name in Japanese and I can sing my multiplication tables. I read 90 chapter books throughout the year. I earned a perfect attendance trophy. I have four perfect attendance trophies because I never want to miss a day at Hawkins. At my other schools, they didn't teach me as well as my Hawkins teachers do. I don't live near Hawkins, but I chose it because it's good."

Vivian Cordova Flores, teacher at Beall

"Yes, I understand we have to close. But please think about our kids. You must remember that our schools are not businesses; they are schools, with little kids in them. It's really hard for them to understand when you want to close their schools. We the parents and teachers have to explain it. I'd like for you to think why you became a board member. I'm pretty sure your answer will be because of the children. Well, let's think about those children. I'm sorry to say, I don't think you're doing that."

Jacinda Holden, parent at Moye

"My kids are transfer students. Moye is their transfer school. All the students start the morning doing a chant teaching them to be responsible, respectful and safe. It's really cute. By closing Moye, you are giving me no other option but to put my kids in a charter school, and I am probably not the only parent who feels that way."